darbepoetin alfa at a glance
Medicine class
Erythropoiesis-stimulating agent and anti-anaemic treatment.
Licensed uses
Symptomatic anaemia associated with chronic kidney failure, and symptomatic anaemia in adults with non-myeloid cancer receiving chemotherapy.
How it is given
Given by injection. Self-injection or injection by a carer requires training; the pre-filled pen is for injection under the skin only.
Storage
Keep refrigerated, do not freeze and protect from light. Follow the product leaflet if it has been taken out of the fridge.
What is darbepoetin alfa used for?
Licensed uses include:
Symptomatic anaemia associated with chronic renal failure in adults and children.
Symptomatic anaemia in adults with non-myeloid malignancies who are receiving chemotherapy.
How does darbepoetin alfa work?
Darbepoetin alfa binds to erythropoietin receptors on developing red blood cells in bone marrow, stimulating red blood cell production. Additional carbohydrate chains keep it active in the circulation longer than conventional recombinant human erythropoietin.
darbepoetin alfa preparations and strengths
Injection
Route: Parenteral
Strengths: 20 micrograms, 40 micrograms, 60 micrograms, 80 micrograms, 100 micrograms, 150 micrograms, 300 micrograms, 500 micrograms
How to take darbepoetin alfa
Use darbepoetin alfa exactly as directed by the specialist team. Food and drink do not affect it.
Do not self-inject until a doctor, nurse or pharmacist has provided training.
Pre-filled pens are for injection under the skin only. Pre-filled syringes may also be given intravenously by healthcare professionals in appropriate renal settings.
Rotate injection sites. Do not shake the container or warm it using hot water, a microwave or direct sunlight.
Check that the solution is clear and free from visible particles. Use each container once and dispose of it safely in the supplied sharps container.
darbepoetin alfa side effects
Common or expected effects
- High blood pressure
- Pain, bruising or bleeding around the injection site
- Rash or skin redness
- Fluid retention in people being treated for cancer
Get urgent medical advice
- Severe allergic reaction, including facial or throat swelling and breathing difficulty
- Severe blistering or peeling skin reactions
- Stroke or another serious blood clot
- Seizures
- Pure red cell aplasia, which may cause worsening anaemia, unusual tiredness and loss of energy
darbepoetin alfa in pregnancy
Human pregnancy evidence is limited. Anyone who is pregnant, planning pregnancy or may be pregnant should tell the specialist prescriber so the expected benefit and uncertainty can be reviewed.
darbepoetin alfa while breastfeeding
It is unknown whether darbepoetin alfa passes into human milk, and risk to a breastfed child cannot be excluded. A specialist should decide whether breastfeeding or treatment should be interrupted after considering their respective benefits.
darbepoetin alfa interactions
Few direct interactions are established, but changes in red blood cell numbers can affect some medicines.
Ciclosporin
Blood concentrations may change as haemoglobin rises, so monitoring and adjustment may be required.
Tacrolimus
Blood concentrations may change as haemoglobin rises, so monitoring and adjustment may be required.
Common questions about darbepoetin alfa
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
Is darbepoetin alfa the same as iron?
No. It stimulates bone marrow to produce red blood cells. Iron may also be needed if tests show insufficient iron for effective red blood cell production.
Can I inject darbepoetin alfa myself?
Sometimes, but only after a healthcare professional has selected the appropriate device and trained you or your carer to use it safely.
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.